CTPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism)

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. 

The 9/11 terrorists attacks on the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon constituted a pivotal event of history that changed the world and dramatically affected the world of trade and transportation. In response to the increased threat of Terrorism, the USA and other nations implemented new protective measures that have a significant impact on the processes of purchasing and moving goods throughout the supply chain of international commerce.  Terrorist activity is ideologically based, and it is primarily directed at causing economic damage and bringing attention to causes through significant loss of lives and property.  The global supply chain offers many significant target opportunities. Of particular threat is the possible use of our transportation systems to deliver a weapon of mass destruction. Cargo Containers could offer an opportunity to terrorists for their criminal purposes. 

The purpose of the CTPAT program is to create a secure environment by ongoing certification, maintenance and evaluation  of  the security of the supply chain and the transportation industry. 

The Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program is a voluntary partnership between public and private sectors. The partnership is just one aspect of the cargo enforcement strategy of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). CBP through the program, works alongside the trade community strengthening international supply chains and improving security at the United States border. This partnership recognizes that CBP provides the highest level of cargo security with the principle stakeholders of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers.

The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 provides a framework for the CTPAT program and imposes strict program oversight requirements. Since November 2001, CTPAT has partnered with over 12,000 members of the trade community.  

You enter into an agreement with John C Riccardo, CHB, Inc. when joining CTPAT to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. CTPAT applicants are required to address a wide range of security topics and present profiles with actionable plans to align security throughout their supply chain. 

• A thorough self-assessment of the company’s supply chain in accordance with C-TPAT guidelines developed by Customs and the trade community, including:
  • Procedural Security
  • Physical Security
  • Personal Security,
  • Education
  • Training
  • Access Controls
  • Manifest Procedures
  • Conveyance Security
• Supply chain security profile questionnaire submission  to clients. 
• Deploying a security program  throughout the supply chain in accordance with C-TPAT guidelines. 
• Relating C-TPAT guidelines to companies in the supply chain and incorporating the guidelines into these relationships.

• CTPAT partners are able to better identify their own security vulnerabilities and take corrective actions to mitigate risks.
• More benefits include: 
  • Front of the line inspections 
  • Possible exemption from Stratified Exams.
  • Shorter wait times at the border 
  • Access to the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Lanes at the land borders 
  • Access to the CTPAT web-based Portal system and a library of training materials 
  • Recognition as a trusted trade Partner by foreign Customs administrations that have signed Mutual Recognition with the United States 

• Eligibility for other U.S. Government programs like the Food and Drug Administration’s Secure Supply Chain program. 
• Priority resumption of business in the wake of a natural disaster or terrorist attack.
• Importer eligibility for participation in the Importer Self-Assessment Program (ISA). 

You can apply here for CTPAT at the following official link here. 

You may view the view the official U.S. CTPAT guidelines here.

What are the benefits of being C-TPAT certified?

• Confidence that our supply chain is a safe, secure place for you, your organization and it’s cargo.
• Potential benefits from U.S. Customs to C-TPAT members, including:
  • Reduced number of inspections (reduced border time), depending on the number of C-TPAT certified parties involved in the shipment.
• An assigned U.S. Customs account manager .
• Access to the C-TPAT membership list